Using hire gear in any sport is surely a marketing tool to move you to buy your own equipment. It seems even more so with scuba diving, a sport where pieces of equipment go into your mouth.
You can hope that the dive operator is fastidious about cleaning the gear or you can walk straight into a dive shop and start purchasing your own. At least you'll know whose mouth it's been in.
But before you spend thousands of dollars on dive gear, think about what it is you really need. If you only dive once a year, you don't need to buy everything. Dive gear is heavy so stick to the essentials.
Regular divers save money on hire equipment by having their own gear. Having your own basic equipment equals comfort which can make the difference between a good dive and a dive where you spend all the time adjusting your equipment.
The Basics
Mask and snorkel
Every diver should have their own mask. One that fits your face properly will prevent leaks while under water. A snorkel is another thing which you will need for sitting on the surface and for any surface swimming which may happen if you surface a long way from the boat.
